Built In Refrigerators

An Easy Way to Add Elegance to Any Kitchen

Nothing says customization of your kitchen like built in refrigerators. With specialized panels and handles that help the fridge blend into the existing cabinetry, to unique venting systems that allow the fridges of this type to maximize the interior storage space without compromising performance.

Until recently these models were very expensive -- a luxury for those who could afford it. But most refrigerator manufacturers have started to recognize that there is a bigger market here than at first thought. So, while there are certainly those models that hit the $5,000 to $10,000 range, there are PLENTY of built in refrigerator models under $5,000 that give the competitors a run for the money.

So, if you're considering a fridge of this type, here are a handful of things you may want to keep in mind before making your purchase.

Four Things You Need to Know Before Buying

Before looking into which brand and model of best suit your needs it’s important to figure out which of the type of built in refrigerators suits your needs. The main difference is how you plan to integrate your a built in into your kitchen. Here’s a few questions to ask yourself:

Do you want it to look like a custom refrigerator, as if it is one of your cabinets? If the answer yes, then you will need a refrigerator made to have custom made panels attached to it to, giving it the appearance of a cabinet.

Do you prefer the sleek look of stainless steel that is flush with all of your other cabinets? There are many models out there that do this and without having to spend a fortune. The type of model you’ll most likely need is called a counter depth refrigerator.

Do you need the refrigerator to open from the right or the left?This has more to do with having enough space to open it one way over another as well how is it the easiest to cook in your kitchen.

Do you need a freezer in your kitchen or do you prefer having a freezerless refrigerator and a separate freezer somewhere else?This is a common thing created in kitchens so that you can have as much refrigerator storage space as you need and still have a great deal of freezer storage space. (Also, if you want to place the freezer right next to the refrigerator, that works as well.)

Once you’ve figured which one you’d prefer to have in your kitchen, the last thing to do is to get the measurements of the opening. For most refrigerators that only means height and width but with built ins the depth is just as important.

Other Types of Built In Refrigerators

In addition to your fridge, you can also look into a built in wine refrigerator.

These units add a bit of a "finished" look to most kitchens as well as helping you maximize your existing under counter kitchen space.